north carolina has it all

North Carolina offers a quality of life that is hard to find these days. The climate here is moderate. The lifestyle is casual, yet a major city is never more than a short drive away. To the East is the Carolinas Coast, where you can hunt for pirate treasure or simply soak up the sun. To the North and West are the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, where outdoor enthusiasts ski in the winter and hike in the summer. It’s no wonder that this is one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S.

mountains to the west

In the mood for a road trip? Nearby interstates make it easy. Head west to the North Carolina mountains and travel a wilderness trail or paddle a pristine river. Enjoy a vineyard or brewery tour and taste the latest from the area's winemakers and brewmasters. Explore the unusual in Asheville or the magical charm of a small mountain town. Unique lodging, arts, crafts, music, festivals, shopping, dining and galleries abound on your journey.

beaches to the east

Leave your cares behind, pack your flip-flops and head for the beach. With more than 300 miles of barrier island beaches, two national seashores and dozens of enchanting towns, the unspoiled landscape of the North Carolina coast is made for relaxation. Explore lighthouses on the beaches, rivers and sounds. Taste superb seafood caught the same day. Witness the beauty of wild horses and native wildlife, visit places steeped in Revolutionary and Civil War history or just enjoy the sand between your toes.

great metro areas

The Triangle Consistently ranked by regional and national media as one of the top places to live and do business in the United States, the Triangle includes the cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. It is also home to North Carolina State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Among its many attributes are hundreds of restaurants, dozens of museums, as well as a thriving social scene, good schools and thousands of park acres. The Triangle also offers plenty to do on nights and weekends—from concerts and opera, to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and college sports, to the 30,000 square-foot State Farmers Market.

The Triad Just west of the Triangle, the Triad includes the cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point, North Carolina. A vibrant, culturally rich area, the Triad boasts fine dining, ample shopping and an impressive array of festivals and sporting events, including the Winston-Salem Open tennis tournament, an ATP World Tour 250 event.